Genesis 25:3

Authorized King James Version

And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָקְשָׁ֣ן
And Jokshan
jokshan, an arabian patriarch
#2
יָלַ֔ד
begat
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
שְׁבָ֖א
Sheba
sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
דְדָ֔ן
and Dedan
dedan, the name of two cushites and of their territory
#7
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
דְדָ֔ן
and Dedan
dedan, the name of two cushites and of their territory
#9
הָי֛וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
אַשּׁוּרִ֥ם
were Asshurim
an ashurite (collectively) or inhabitant of ashur, a district in palestine
#11
וּלְטוּשִׁ֖ם
and Letushim
letushim, an arabian tribe
#12
וּלְאֻמִּֽים׃
and Leummim
leummim, an arabian

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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